Midweek at Small's (Feb. 22-25)

Ari Hoenig Trio - Feb. 22

Gadi Lehavi (piano); Matt Penman (double bass); Ari Hoenig (drums)

Ari Hoenig is something of a legend in these parts and a three figure online audience (plus a handful allowed onto the premises) enjoyed the first of two one hour sets from the drummer's trio. Lines of Oppression generated much animated discussion and praise, similarly Chick Corea's Steps. Pianist Gadi Lehavi and busy bassist Matt Penman (also to been heard later in the week) were on the case, not least in an excellent take on Yardbird Suite.   

 

Steve Nelson Quartet - Feb. 23

Steve Nelson (vibes); Rick Germanson (piano); Kiyoshi Kitagawa (double bass); Charles Goold (drums)

Steve Wilson regularly features in end-of-year polls and his ace quartet on this gig did a great job in helping to keep the vibes man at the forefront of the minds of those watching from around the globe. From Surrey with the Fringe on Top to Nelson's compositions Song for Tina and Everything I Love, all were expertly executed by band mates Rick Germanson, Kiyoshi Kitagawa and Charles Goold.    

Nir Felder Trio - Feb. 24

Nir Felder (guitar); Matt Penman (double bass); Antonio Sanchez (drums)

Nir Felder, a name, a name in the frame when the awards' season is in full swing, teamed up with Matt Penman (earlier in the week he was on duty with Ari Hoenig) and none other than Antonio Sanchez. Nir (pronounced 'Near') Felder said he was 'stoked' to be playing with the great Antonio Sanchez (drummer with Dave Holland for many a year). Fender Strat in hand, jeans, trainers, Felder cut a figure not unlike Mike Stern. Our man looks the type who is never out of the woodshed shredding, this evening playing a couple of tunes from his latest album recorded back in July of last year - Fire in August and Coronation (the album simply titled II) - and a cut from his first album, Golden Age. Online comment from woodshedding types suggested they were in their element, just as Felder appeared to be.     

Melanie Charles Quintet - Feb. 25

Melanie Charles (flute, vocals); Rogerst Charles (alto sax); Axel Tosca (piano; Jonathan Michel (double bass); Anwar Marshall (drums)  

Melanie Charles, flute and vocals, a name new to BSH. First impressions? Of the hip hop generation with a hint of Sarah Vaughan. Introducing 'my favourite tune of all time', Ms Charles sang There is no Greater Love. Excellent, with excellent brushwork from Anwar Marshall. A Haitian folk song followed by an original composition, Charles sang with little sign she would be picking up her flute. Chatting to her Small's audience (clearly big fans) and an online following, Charles recalled working on a transatlantic cruise ship stopping off in Spain and on the French Riviera, before going on to sing The Nearness of You followed by an energetic take on Horace Silver's Soul Searchin' (with the evening's sole outing for her flute), joined for only the second time on the set by alto saxophonist Rogerst Charles. A good set. It would be good to hear Melanie Charles again, online from Small's or, better still, on a visit to the 183 West 10th Street, NYC venue.  

Russell.